Question

The process of copying the genetic information from one strand of DNA into RNA is termed as transcription. The principle of complementarity of bases governs the process of transcription, also except that uracil comes in place of thymine. Study the complete transcription unit given below and answer the following questions:

Name the main enzyme involved in the process of transcription.

Hint:

RNA polymerase synthesizes the RNA strand using the template DNA strand, creating a complementary sequence that mirrors the coding strand (with uracil replacing thymine).

Answer 1

Enzyme in Transcription

The primary enzyme responsible for transcription is:

RNA Polymerase

RNA Polymerase Function:

• Attaches to the DNA's promoter site.
• Separates the DNA strands to reveal the template.
• Uses the DNA template to create a matching RNA molecule.
• Substitutes thymine (T) with uracil (U) in RNA synthesis.

Further Details:

Prokaryotic Transcription: A single RNA polymerase handles all transcription.Eukaryotic Transcription:

• RNA Polymerase I – Produces rRNA
• RNA Polymerase II – Produces mRNA
• RNA Polymerase III – Produces tRNA and 5S rRNA